Zune HD to stay U.S.-only for now

Microsoft's Zune HD might show a lot of promise, but it'll be tough to get for folks outside the States. Ars Technica has received confirmation that the touch-screen player won't be available in Canada, Europe, or other international markets.

"For the time being the Zune HD device will remain US only," a Microsoft spokesperson told Ars. "Right now we are focused on deploying an exciting service in the form of Zune Video to 18 markets. We are looking at potential future hardware experiences for these markets, but do not have anything to announce right now."

The original Zune was also U.S.-only, but as Ars points out, Microsoft opened up to the Canadian market in June of last year. This is somewhat of a step back, then—and perhaps a disappointment after some sources suggested that the Zune HD might launch internationally.

U.S.-based consumers will be able to get their hands on the Zune HD next Tuesday, September 15. After stocks of current-gen Zune models run out, that device will be the only surviving member of the product family. (Thanks to TR reader Sicarius for the heads-up.)